Raising Rabbits for Meat Part 8: The Final Step

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Our new rabbit cookbook can be found here: Printed Copy: bit.ly/rabbitcookbook Amazon Kindle Version: www.amazon.com/dp/B076QG3BJK

[@wandalambert1510]

Living Traditions Homestead ,

[@gazzamattaza]

Just subbed great channel thanks.

[@IpolaniSmith]

I purchased your rabbit cookbook to hopefully support your channel. Thank you for all you do.

[@hattiemercer5764]

They ran out

[@kaesch2770]

Aw, I went to buy the cookbook and it’s gone. Can I find it somewhere else now?

[@MovingMountainsMM]

I did it!!! I bred, kindled and raised my first buns. Then yesterday we processed 8 of them! I was inspired to have a rabbitry bc of your series. Thank you so much. Next step, cook em up. Mmmm. Can’t wait!

[@Kelly_Mae]

We are going to do the same. Tell me the truth, what do they taste like? Anything comparable?

[@SnowFoxPaperie]

​@Kelly_Mae I've heard chicken. I just started my rabbit journey so I don't know for sure. Have you processed any since your post?

[@louiserawle8999]

I think Kevin is the absolute best at butchering the animals,He loves pigs,but he has leant to think as soon as its dead after slaughtering that it is now food for his family.He and Sarah are so informative.this is my absolute fave homesteading family.They are delightful.

[@amandapittar9398]

Your rabbits have a great life, good food, sunshine and family. It dies so quickly that has no stress or pain. Good on you. I had to “dispatch” two Egg Chickens after my toy poodle got to them. Poppy & Petunia. They were mauled and stressed. It was not nice, I had to manually snap their necks, to put them out of their misery. I was in tears. No one likes dispatching stock, so to be able to do it so humanely is a great thing. You are also being self sufficient. Anyone who complains should look into normal USA farming practices.....

[@charleencnossen9930]

I got my first buck and doe. Breed her and she gave me 7 bunnies. This Saturday is the day. Thank you for this is video! Very helpful.

[@intherabbithole5850]

and tomorrow I will make my best first effort at dispatching 4 rabbits, thanks for the video and wish me courage!

[@denismguitar1552]

If you let the meat sit in mild salted water overnight it’s excellent. Retains more moisture. Just my .02 since i’ve processed about 1000 of them. Nice video.

[@chaserofthelight1737]

I can mine and this is one of the steps.

[@albertthill8825]

Any 4-H or FFA class could benefit from this series...Thank You..

[@Lindsey0611]

I went from having a pet rabbit too early & having to give it away to wanting to get another one to being saddened seeing how they’re treated in Rabbit Island Japan to now wanting to eat rabbit as my main source of protein. This has been a journey of emotions.

[@aiodensghost8645]

I've never had a rabbit, but I'm wanting to try it out.

[@jerseyinthephilippines1283]

@@aiodensghost8645 Rabbits.....Don't you mean Bunnies? Just kidding, I want to try it to. Rabbit that is.

[@antoinettey.terrell7774]

I want to take a minute and thank God for you and your family for sharing these videos. It has made me realize how easy it is to live debt free and loving it. Thank you, thank you and thank you again :-)

[@Khurzan72]

My wife and I started raising rabbits for meat, and just dispatched our first litter due to this series of videos. It was extremely helpful!

[@brendadunham2442]

When times goy rough in the 70’s my Dad along with his fellow shop workers started raising rabbits for food. We had baby rabbits coming out of our ears lol We really enjoyed them both raising them and eating them. It was a fantastic adventure for us growing up. When times goes tough it helped to prepare us in knowing what we can do to provide food for our family. I was raised on a farm so butchering our own food was a natural thing. I live on a farm now but we raise crops. My husband doesn’t do well with raising meat and processing it. I am the huntress and I process my own venison. He will watch me and help by holding a leg while skinning if need be and hanging each quarter and loin up to relax for a couple days. But he doesn’t enjoy deboning the meat. He will package it and grind it with me, so that is always a help. Last year it was only me processing three deer, that was a bit overwhelming but harvesting was a little later which coincided with me hunting, but I survived it. This year we will see what happens, I have a lot of issues with my hands so I might need a bit of assistance.

[@popeye1313]

I just sat here and watched all 8 series and I got to tell you I enjoyed it very much I can't wait to start doing it for myself

[@mekon1971]

I prefer to eat it after it has been frozen. So I'll refrigerate for 1-3 days, then freeze, I generally don't eat it straight out of the fridge. I think the freezing process breaks down the tissue just a little making it more tender.

[@moniqueslikkerveer6158]

You can cut the hide in stripes and dry them. It is a very good treat for dogs. Because there is still fur on the hide, it cleans the intestines. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@jeanrichards8042]

I know this is an older video, but just wanted to say how grateful I am that you shared your equipment for dispatch. I was thinking the only way I would be able to do it was with the expensive version of how you guys do it and I didn't know where that $ would come from. Now I have a solution to that and I will hopefully have my first kits in a little less than a month! Being in WI and in winter, the rabbit tractors will have to wait, but I've already got a grow out cage ready. Can't wait to try our first rabbits! Oh, and thanks for the tip on letting them rest in the frig, I had no idea about that! You are both awesome and your videos are so helpful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!!!

[@dawnfarris3751]

Just finding this series. How’s your rabbit farm going?

[@Polamish]

I also save the lungs and heart to dehydrate for dog treats. I will save the young rabbits skulls for dog treats. I know I know it sounds yucky but I like using as much of my bunnies as possible. I love your channel. Blessings from WI

[@aislingmeehan9862]

Thank you for taking the time to make this very detailed series! I decided today that I'm taking on rabbits, and started doing research. I 'm so excited!

[@DawnRaeB]

Thank you for this! I am trying to learn to provide my own meat. I've been successful with the quail. Next attempt are the rabbits.

[@klong0001]

We just processed our first rabbits today. Took us less than 2 hours to completely process six of them. This video was on my phone with me and was invaluable to us. Thank you so much for teaching this, I feel so good that we've got healthy, home-grown meat for our family now.

[@Griz79]

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for the online classes. My wife & I have definitely improved as homesteaders because of you two!

[@tiffinycheek1483]

I was wanting to raise rabbits, but did not know if I would be able to dispatch them. After watching this video I feel more confident that I could raise and dispatch them with confidence. Thanks so much for this video. Very helpful

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

It's intimidating at first, but we know you can do it!

[@humblebwonderful9705]

A tip I learned from this playlist is: Don't forget to handle the rabbits early to help make this process even less stressful!

[@elktheindianspotteddeer1331]

I raise and dispatch them by myself

[@scotthansel3703]

Thanks for your rabbit classes. I am raising rabbit for the first time for meat. your classes will be very helpful.

[@dclandram]

Thank you for this video. A few days ago, I asked my husband if he was willing to eat rabbit meat and if he knew how to humanely kill and clean one. Since he grew up on a family homestead, he said yes. We're finally about to be able to move out of our suburban house into the country and we're looking start our own homestead. We know we'll be getting chickens and starting a good size garden. Our neighbors laugh at our garden and we're not allowed to have more than 6 chickens here. Watching this normally wouldn't bother me as I've cleaned fish, deer, and pig before, but I guess being pregnant made my stomach turn. Thank you for actually showing how to skin a rabbit and explaining why you don't save the hides.

[@kathyashwell8854]

We just fetched our two Does and a Buck yesterday! I live in South Africa near Cape Town. We built two large tractors for the Does and a smaller one for the Buck. My lawn is now a paddock! Thank you for all the information in your videos. God bless you all.

[@lindawood3922]

Thank You both so very much. We've lived on our Central Fla farm for over 40 years. I had a 40 head goat herd and dressed out goats but have never dressed a rabbit. My first litter is ready for processing this weekend. Thank You again for a wonderful step by step process. Especially the humane way of euthanizing them. My husband just finished making the device. God Bless You.

[@craigvining8700]

Thank you so much for this series. I have wanted to start raising rabbits for a long time but just never committed to it. Having all this wonderful knowledge in one place has made it so easy to get educated enough to feel like I can start my journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@lauralasater7591]

Oh boy, you make it look easy. We are about 3 weeks away from processing day and I'm getting nervous. My son and I started this project last year and have caught a lot of grief from people saying we wont be able to do it. I want to succeed and have the doubters over for a home grown rabbit dinner. 😁

[@r.b.l.5841]

good job, having a lot of my own experience with processing our animals i appreciated your approach to low stress for you and the animals - i totally agree with your process. thanks for posting.

[@charleencnossen9930]

Oh my. Not sure I can dispatch! Good thing I have my hubby and son! So I've bred my rabbits for the first time and received my first 7 bunnies, almost 11 weeks now. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you so much for this video!

[@Javaman92]

I'm very much a visual learner. His process was good, easy to understand. I listened to you both at the end and my brain still doesn't feel like it gets it. So you just take the finished rabbits, set them in a container. And put it in the refrigerator. It doesn't have to be sealed, just let it be in there for a day or so. I wish you would have showed it all. I know it's my brain though.

[@maribelmeza4494]

It’s not just you, I wondered the same things.

[@bunjininja]

I'll second this on butchering. I'd rather clean up a rabbit. Than fillet a fish. Less work. Not as tedious. I skin and gut differently. As to avoid as much fur and blood as possible on the meat. And to risk less possible chance of guts on the meat. Ice bath or brine for an hour or two. Then vacuum seal and freeze. You can add seasoning b4 you seal and freeze. So it naturally marinades as it thaws. Love your videos. You have taught me a ton about keeping them. I currently only hunt during season. But am preparing for raising and breeding. Thank you.

[@huntersmoon2351]

The two of you are exceptionally inspirational

[@alexandraboerner4041]

Hi, I am from Germany and I just found your Chanel today. This ist a very informative series. Thank you very much for it!

[@angieh9405]

This is an awesome series! Your dedication and humane dignity to your rabbits stock is very inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to share your methods. Your channel by far is the best homesteading series in KZbin. My Father was born in Poplar Bluff, MO and still has family in Puxico, MO and surrounding areas. It is a beautiful place. Thanks again, and God Bless!

[@yvonnelubman7197]

Thank you for all the information, you are the first one that showed how to keep records and why it’s needed to do. Yes I forget a lot, it’s very good to see your way of keeping records and why you do it, thank you again.

[@OnaMuir]

This was brilliant. I went to college in PA. Visited homes with cleaned rabbits resting in sink. No one would talk about it- even though that was dinner. Delicious! I was fascinated and wanted to know and learn. Thank you!

[@michael7423]

Thanks Kevin and Sarah, I’ve been on a LTH marathon again! I’m half way through the rabbit playlist and it’s very well done

[@joanncrittendon7665]

Just found your videos today and found them very informative. You really do a great job. I have raised rabbits in the past and had trouble when it came time to dispatch them. Since you did not show exactly how to position the rabbits head in the V, I am not comfortable trying this. You also did not explain how much downward force it takes to make a clean kill. It would also be helpful to know how wide and deep the V cut is into the wood. This is the part of the process everyone dreads so a little more detail would be very helpful. It would be very helpful if you could post a picture or video with the rabbits head positioned in the V. I am a 68 year old grandmother trying to teach her grandson some homesteading skills on our 17 acre homestead.

[@josiegallegos7144]

I watched all your videos in 1 days. Thank you again for your time and sharing it to us.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

All in one day? Wow! That's a lot to absorb. I'm so glad we could keep your attention for that long. LOL! Take care, and come back often!

[@baral6747]

@@LivingTraditionsHomestead thanks for your videos dear friends !! Bless you !!! Please more videos about slaughtering proces Do you slaughter chickens ?

[@mattconnell9573]

Great video, Kevin! Thank you! I am doing four rabbits this weekend for the first time… I’ll have to watch this a few more times :) Thanks again for great content! Love your channel!

[@Thiriously]

I'm probably the only person in my family unit that is interested in this and I was really surprised that the dispatch process was so easy and simple and I could honestly see myself doing this right now. I'm really looking forward to try to do this after our move. I do have to ask if you could at least describe how the beheading is done, I know nothing about dispatching animals so I'm a little worried about how that part works and what tool you prefer for it. (Removed my second question because I believe it'll be answered in the next video XD Lol)

[@JoshandMandy]

I can't tell you thank you enough! I get confidence from watching your videos. Rabbits have added so much wealth to our homestead and now I'm sure I can complete the process. Thank you for your help! Stay safe!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Fantastic, Josh! So glad to have helped!

[@seymourbutz8513]

Great series. It is good as a review for me. It has been awhile that I raised rabbits for meat but like riding a bike, you never forget how. Thanks again for the information.

[@davidfontenot5223]

I watched the everything up to this point in one sitting!! I recently had a spine injury, then surgery. I may may no longer be able to work in my field again. I receive a decent monthly check but it's nowhere close to what I had grown used to over the years. I was already interested in breeding for meat, now it's almost a necessity if I want to keep up my standard of living. I've done a lot of homework thus far but this series of videos put it all together for me. I've liked them all for future reference, oh yeah, they were great too! Very informative and easy to understand. I've subscribed and will be scouring this channel for more info. Thank you.

[@retopher]

Our family loves all your shows. Thank you for sharing so much over the years. We are full-time homesteaders as well. I just don’t see how you find the time to make these amazing videos and Homestead you guys are truly inspiring.

[@waynegould7915]

Just wanted to say that it is great to see the care you give to the rabbits. In how you raise them all the way to dispatching and process. I actually hunt wild rabbit for food but am considering raising my own for food. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@WelchFamilyHomestead]

Excellent information on the rabbits. I’ve cleaned those I’ve hunted but I want to start raising them for meat. God bless y’all.

[@bravegirlarise7672]

Thank you so much for this! This actually looks easier than processing chickens. I wish I had learned these things while Dad was alive. I could've been raising rabbits at his farm and helping him keep things going.

[@maribelmeza4494]

That’s exactly what I told my husband.

[@CobHouseHomestead]

We have just finished using this video as a manual. We had a Doe escape twice, thus electing her as the first bbq. The processing was as easy as you described, even though we weren't quite prepared for it. You guys are awesome and this video is BRILLIANT!!!

[@amylynnmcdevitt5596]

Do you withhold feed for 24hrs before dispatching? Also is there a video on the kill board size or link? Great video very informative!

[@Javaman92]

A good question. They should answer. 😕

[@ramonlivestockanimalsja5489]

Yes you do

[@doernotsayer]

Withhold feed and water so their bowels and bladder are closer to empty. Makes it less likely to accidentally puncture the bowels/bladder which can contaminate the meat. The kill board is a homemade one he cut using 3/4” plywood. Looks like his is about 16”x 12”... the V he cut out of it looks like it’s about 8” deep and about 4” wide at the largest part (possibly only 3” wide). I’m giving you an answer because with 500,000+ subscribers, I’m sure it’s hard for this amazing family to answer every comment! ❤️ Good luck with your rabbits!

[@glenhehir3833]

Thanks Kristy

[@themicromansion4218]

Today May 2, 2020 I purchased my first three rabbits. Many thanks to you guys for your Raising Rabbits Series that gave enough confidence to try this on my own. God Bless!

[@krisinsaigon]

This is a very interesting video thanks, one day I'm hoping to homestead and raise rabbits, I grew up eating them. One thought- if you are processing a whole litter, I would try making a pate with the livers. The liver in this video was a decent size and I would think a whole litter would produce enough liver to make making pate worthwhile. i've never had rabbit liver pate, but chicken liver pate is delicious and very easy to make- you soften onions in butter, fry the livers in butter then whizz them in a blender with some salt and pepper.

[@thediyhomesteader53]

Absolutely loved it. I love his dispatch method, and I love how he explained everything that was going on, even what each organ was. And BRAVO for telling the ppl to let their meat REST!! You don't know how many videos I've watched and blogs I've read that insinuate throwing a rabbit in the grill right after butchering!! Then they complain about the meat being tough, and they just assume rabbit meat is tough. No....you didn't allow rigor mortis to run its course that's why! Thank you guys for this video! I think I'm going to try out your board method. Love all your videos, keep up the good work!

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Thank you very much! It makes all the difference!

[@erikacronje8985]

I was also a bit worried about the dispatch but this method is quick and humane and I could definitely do it. Thanks so much!!

[@mic7735]

We just butchered our first 3 rabbits and thanks to your instructions it was easier than we anticipated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jefferyhowdyshell8591]

We had stopped raising rabbits. But after watching this I now have a better and much easier way to raise them for meat thank you!

[@janedoe4401]

i am extraordinarily conservative and even so, i was afraid i was going to screw it up. i have a real love for animals and was afraid id accidentaly do it inhumanley, or maybe id hesitate and not use enough force to make it happen fast. this video has given me a new perspective and i believe 100% i could do it now. thank you very much for yalls great videos.

[@rohnsleather9986]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. This is a very good and easy to understand method.

[@ryanrichards7056]

Greetings from Iquitos, Peru. Your video is the most informative I've seen. Keep up the good work.

[@larryyadon4629]

I subscribed a couple of days ago. I watched your rabbit series and loved it. I knew alot of it, but learned alot more. I love rabbits and we own our homestead in Mimbres nm. I also like doug and stacey

[@illtrax]

Thank you so much! All my questions answered. Note pad is full!

[@jman8958]

thank you for the videos,iam still a couple weeks away from processing my first litter. you have been very helpfull in the adventure thus far. now you will have to make videos of some cooking recipes with rabbits ! we will be waiting for them

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

+Jody Gosbee We are so glad this series has helped you! It just so happens that we are very close to starting a rabbit cooking series. 😊

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Our new rabbit cookbook can be found here: Printed Copy: bit.ly/rabbitcookbook Amazon Kindle Version: www.amazon.com/dp/B076QG3BJK

[@rabbitstabber8598]

I’m a rabbit hunter and we save the hearts and kidneys for stuffing or just sautéed in butter and the liver is better than chicken livers and also makes great catfish bait

[@marktullis6484]

Excellent vid. I like the V-board for dispatch - will give that a go.

[@nothingnope3543]

Well done series and a straightforward way to dispatch as well as cleaning.

[@starla8749]

Really enjoyed your series. I'm a big nature / animal lover. I've been wanting to have meat rabbits and chicken's but I was worried I just couldn't kill them and then Lord I'd have a mess of critters to feed. 😂 But you all have really made me feel better!! Knowing the rabbit won't suffer is what I needed to hear. Y'all stay safe and blessed. I look forward to playing catch up and watching all of your videos.

[@redders6858]

Just wanted to say a huge thank you from 🇬🇧 you’ve covered all of my questions and a few I hadn’t thought of yet.

[@debragillespie596]

Hi I just started raising rabbits 🐇 and am so excited to have it done ✔️ thanks for your teaching videos appreciate you sharing with us have a wonderful day

[@victorrivera1921]

I just wanted to say thank you!!! The fact that you’ve taken your time to make good instructional videos explaining not only your experience but how to actually do it is awesome. And I’m thankful for you guys for I too aspire to be a farmer one day and grow my own food but it’s not always was to find good information or “how to” videos on the matter as far as animals go. But you guys have hit the ball out of the park with this series and I just wanted to say thank you.

[@parthasmukherjee4774]

Thanks for the series! You are a great teacher i must say! If you have not done a video on how to keep the skin and how to process it - then please do one. That might help a lot of people. I am from India, Bengal. Keep it up!

[@schissleracademyoffinearts8370]

So, so grateful for this video. So many of my questions have been answered

[@faisalabdullahfarhanbba-3010]

I loved the entire series. I have been raising rabbits for years. Often people ask me what to do and how to do all the breeding and raising stuffs. And it's not always easy to explain everything. I will recommend your video series from now onwards. I liked all of it. But I just have a problem with the butchering. I wouldn't eat an animal with a broken neck. I would prefer to slaughter them instead of breaking the neck. That's all. But the bottom line is this video series on rabbits was fantastic. May Allah bless you.

[@rgriffith2006]

Like cleaning a tiny deer. Looking forward to eating rabbit for the first time. I'm going to be dressing chickens, rabbits, deer, hogs, and maybe lamb. You've inspired me to put some careful planning into my slaughter station. Shade is #1. Dog treats idea is awesome! Great job explaining the dispatch process too.

[@BasicRootsHomesteadWFL]

God Bless you guys.. I have been following you guys for years I have learned so much.. again thank you

[@bobbystokes4630]

Thanks for all your information getting ready to start raising our own rabbits

[@Adam-up2cc]

By far the best rabbitry videos i've seen. Good work and thank you very much. A question if I may, how much do you charge for the rabbits at the farmers markets? Thanks again and have a wonderful day.

[@caroledifabio5995]

Thank you for this informative video series. I learned a lot to keep going forward with the two New Zealand Blues that our son got us. Blessings on your day and your life

[@davefletch3063]

Nice and clear instructions, thank you

[@stargypsysoul604]

This is the scariest part of raising meat rabbits for me. I know my hubby will be processing, but I like to know how in case I ever need to do it instead. Thank you for the humane method and how too!

[@BasicRootsHomesteadWFL]

We are starting our homestead.. have watched tons of tour videos.. we are about to rabbit's in 2 weeks is when I get then...excited. ty

[@artdeleon2467]

Makes me feel better on how to dispatch, the rabbit. Thanks

[@ohioladybug7390]

This solved a questions I asked you in another video about processing an animal and still being able to eat it - have the hubby do this part. Good to know I’m not the only queasy one.

[@stephenmilden9754]

Thanks for the information. Really helpful. I'd appreciate the dimensions you used for the kill board

[@stevenepperly7874]

I have watched a bunch of videos on rabbits, both raising and processing. Allow me to day that you guys are if not tops way up there in the ranks. Great job !!! God bless you and your family.

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

Wow! Thanks!

[@paintedgardenfarm8704]

I have been thinking of raising meat rabbits for awhile, I already have and have bred angoras. Only trouble is I've never had rabbit meat...I hope I like it because I think I could do this. Wasn't sure about dispatch, but I think I can handle it. I've raised 2 kids and should be able to get used to any kind of messy!

[@kflan3342]

When placing into the killing board, does it make any difference which way the rabbit faces?

[@LivingTraditionsHomestead]

You will definitely want the rabbit facing away from you. This will make more sense when you try it.

[@susansailors1716]

I was going to ask the same thing. Thank you

[@thresholdhomestead]

Thank you

[@jimclaire7996]

Nice series. Thank,you for sharing your information. I really found your record keeping valuable. We found we like rabbit, but most Filipinos do not. We do have pet pellets available and we use those. I may try putting some ice jugs in the cages when it is very hot. I like the kill board. We give the pigs the guts. Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@stanleysas3703]

Luv your show, I have bred Newzealand rabbits for some years for food, my itea is to kill is same as yours . Great video, keep on coming. Australia (down under)

[@christykrop3005]

wow that was way easier than i thought it would be

[@animebasket299]

Now i have rabbits and they are doing great thanks to you 😊🤗❤

[@whatifitistrue7408]

Also if you dislocate the rear leg ankle joints at the end it saves the edge on your knife. Just snap the foot over sideways, then cut through the tendons.

[@lindacook459]

Thank you for sharing for rabbit prep

[@matthewsalathe5491]

Thank you for the videos. Very well done and informative.

[@jacoblewis568]

You should always save the hides and not waste any part of the animal. I know the hides are very thin but they make great treats for dogs and cats. I can make around 20 treats out of one hide. Just cut them into strips and dry them for a day or two. After they're completely dried, put them in a ziploc bag and stick the bag in the fridge. Your dogs will love them and they'll be gone in two days lol. Don't worry about the hairy poop, it doesn't hurt them lol.

[@jasonwalker3662]

Hi Thanks for all you videos, great work, Rabbit breeder in Thailand, Vi NZ

[@volcryndarkstar]

That's a pretty ingenious and humane way to dispatch rabbits. My imagination had me thinking a nail-gun would be quickest, like the bolt-shooters ranchers use on cattle. Your method seems way better.

[@thermalmermom]

Thank you so much for sharing this invaluable information.

[@YankeesOutdoorAdventures]

Great video as always awesome technique👍

[@jamayoung3335]

Thank you so much!!! I am going to do this starting in May 2022